The Crew finally landed their offensive catalyst at the very end of the transfer window. Argentine forward Federico Higuaín moves from Argentinian side Colon to the Crew as the team's Designated Player. He will be given the chance to jump start the team's sputtering offense and spark the team's run towards the playoffs.
Throughout his travels, Higuaín hasn't been a prolific goal scorer. His best scoring streak was during a loan spell at second division Nueva Chicago. He's averaged a goal about every 5 games in top flight games across Argentina and Turkey.
He certainly doesn't have the record of a poachig forward; he's proven to be more of a playmaker, able to set up others as he drifts deep or wide to find space. He is able to dribble at players and is quick with the ball at his feet.
The Crew's Technical Director Brian Bliss was clear about why the Crew brought him in, "(He's) here to be a second forward, a playmaker in that role"
While Higuain will get the chance to play as a creator, he's able to play on either wing or as an attacking midfielder, giving the Crew flexibility on where to play him.
Bliss quickly noted the high points of the team's scouting report on Higuain, "He can turn with the ball and run with it; create and bring others into the game. Dribble, wiggle out of tight spots. Chip in a few goals himself. That's what he does. He can do a little bit of everything."
The deal was a long time in the making, Higuain has been on the team's radar since last December and they first made a move for him nearly three months ago.
"It fell apart in several different occasions in the last three months." Bliss remarked "The whole deal wasn't revisited until Sunday or Monday of this week."
The transfer window did create a bit of pressure and helped get everyone motivated to the deal done.
Higuaín, 27, has bounced around in his career. He started out at River Plate before moving to Besiktas in Turkey. He was quickly loaned out to América of Mexico.
By 2009, he returned to Argentina, landing Independiente then moving to Godoy Cruz. He spent the last two years at Colón, scoring 10 goals in 62 appearances.
Higuaín will be eligible to play for the team once they receive his International Transfer Certificate and work visa, a process that could take a few weeks.
He could suit up as soon as the Crew's game against D.C. next Saturday, but one it's more likely that he will be available for the Toronto game on August 11th or against the Galaxy on the 15th.